ABRSM Introduction Booklet
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Visual identity technical guidelinesMotivating Version 02 1 April 2009 musical achievement Welcome to ABRSM ABRSM Visual Identity Technical Guidelines Issue 1 April 2009 ABRSM is the leading authority on musical assessment. By delivering our exams rigorously and consistently we set the worldwide gold standard, with over 600,000 people, in over 90 countries, choosing to Contents take them every year. As part of our commitment to excellence in music education, we provide a rich resource 2 Welcome to ABRSM of materials, from albums of repertoire for the earliest stages of learning to scholarly 4 Exams & assessments editions of the great composers. Our online presence includes SoundJunction, our 16 Publications award-winning site for music learners. 18 Professional development We know that good teachers endeavour to enhance their professional skills. We 19 Further information support their continuing professional development through our innovative courses and online learning resources. To build on our 120 years inspiring generations of musicians, we provide charitable donations, scholarships and sponsorships, as well as acting as an advocate for music education. We do all we can to give music a voice in public life because we believe it has the power to change people’s lives. Welcome to ABRSM This booklet aims to give you an overview of all our activities. You can explore in more Music is at the heart of our work. We are here to support detail at www.abrsm.org. and encourage music learning throughout the world so that everyone can share in its power. ABRSM has the authority of four We motivate musical achievement through our authoritative of the UK’s leading conservatoires: assessment of students, the professional development of their n Royal Academy of Music, London teachers, and a wide range of published resources. We also n Royal College of Music, London actively support music education through funding and advocacy. n Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester n Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, Glasgow 2 3 Exams and assessments n Prep Test n Grades 1–8 n Diplomas n Music Medals Beginners and upwards We want to bring the power of music to all age groups and every level of ability. n Performance Assessment Many students will start with the Prep Test and then work through all the grades n Ensembles from 1 to 8, but we do not impose a set pattern. A student may begin with the grade that best suits their ability – and it does not matter if a grade is ‘missed out’. For people to get the richest experience from performing music, we believe that a thorough knowledge and understanding of the elements of music is essential. So, before moving on to a practical exam at Grade 6, 7 or 8, a student must first pass Grade 5 (or above) in Theory of Music, Practical Musicianship or a solo Jazz subject. These have in common a level of musical understanding which acts as a solid Since 1889, we have provided music teachers and their students foundation for further development as a musician. with exams and assessments that nurture and evaluate an individual’s performance and progress. As the world’s largest and leading specialist in music assessment, our consistent and Certificates and mark forms rigorous approach carries recognised international authority. All successful exam candidates receive a certificate to mark their achievement. Practical graded exam candidates also receive a mark form, Motivation and encouragement written by the examiner during the We have designed our exams and assessments to motivate students of all levels exam. Theory candidates receive a and ages, giving them a series of realistic goals and tangible rewards for their form listing the marks awarded to achievements. each question. Exam syllabuses are not intended to provide a complete curriculum. Students are We provide the mark form to give encouraged to play and experience as much music as possible, embracing a wide teachers, candidates and parents a range of genres. clear, consistent and fair indication of the strengths and weaknesses in each part of the exam. 4 5 Our exams and assessments Let’s take a closer look at the exams and assessments we offer. Prep Test Grades 1–8: Instrumental and singing exams The Prep Test is designed for students who have been learning an instrument for about Practical syllabuses are available in over 35 subjects, from Piano to Percussion, and six to nine months. Working towards this early goal encourages the development of good from Harpsichord to Horn. There is a separate Jazz syllabus for Flute, Clarinet, Sax, technique and sound musicianship. It is also an ideal introduction to the experience of Trumpet, Trombone, Piano and Ensembles. taking an exam. Pieces for each syllabus have been carefully selected to provide maximum choice whilst We have developed the Prep Test to be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. No marks covering the key skills necessary at a particular level. Our aim is to inspire teachers and are awarded and there is no pass or fail. At the end of the assessment every candidate is students by giving them the widest possible variety of repertoire. rewarded with a certificate which includes positive and helpful comments from the examiner. Practical exams have four sections, giving candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their skills through prepared work and musicianship tests: n Set pieces/songs Grades 1–8 Each of the eight graded exams represents n Scales and arpeggios/ a logical step in the musical development broken chords, or, for singers, of a student. an unaccompanied folk song Graded exams are available for: n Sight-reading or quick study n Aural tests n Piano, Jazz Piano* n Horn n Harpsichord n Trumpet, n Organ Jazz Trumpet* n Cornet, Jazz Cornet* n Violin n Flugelhorn, Jazz Flugelhorn* Grades 1–8: Theory of Music and n Viola Practical Musicianship exams n E Horn n Cello We aim to encourage an education n Trombone, n Double Bass in music that is as broad as possible, Jazz Trombone* n Guitar covering both the theoretical and n Bass Trombone n Harp the practical. We provide a Theory of n Baritone Music syllabus, examined through n Euphonium n Recorder written exams, and a Practical n Tuba n Flute, Jazz Flute* Musicianship syllabus that uses n Oboe practical methods to assess musical n Percussion n Clarinet, understanding. Jazz Clarinet* In a Practical Musicianship exam n Bassoon n Singing candidates demonstrate their n Saxophone, understanding of melody, harmony, Jazz Sax* n Theory of Music rhythm and form by responding to n Practical questions about music and by singing Musicianship or playing an instrument of their choice in a series of tests. * Not available in all countries: check the Examination Information & Regulations booklet for availablity 6 7 Diplomas Music Medals ABRSM diplomas provide an authoritative Music Medals are our assessments and teaching resources, devised to introduce assessment framework for a wide range essential musical skills and encourage playing together. of musicians. Progressively structured across five levels, Music Medals provide goals and celebrate There are three subjects for diplomas: achievement. Copper and Bronze are for beginners, whilst Silver, Gold and Platinum reward further musical progress. n Music Performance Fully supported by award winning publications, Music Medals are flexible and inclusive, n Music Direction providing a suggested teaching format and resources. Assessments take place in n Instrumental/Vocal Teaching normal lesson time and each Music Medal covers three activities: playing together, playing solo and musicianship skills. Performances are video recorded, marked by the and each subject has three levels of award: teacher and moderated by ABRSM. Successful candidates are awarded a certificate, n Diploma of The Associated Board of the and, of course, a Music Medal. Find out more at www.abrsm.org/musicmedals. Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM) Music Medals assessments are available in the UK, and the ensemble publications n Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music are available worldwide. (LRSM) n Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music (FRSM) The diplomas are designed to encourage a diversity of approaches to performing, directing and teaching music and to stimulate achievement through acquiring skills, knowledge and understanding. These highly respected and letter-bearing qualifications provide valuable opportunities for professional musicians (and those aspiring to be so) to gain recognition for their abilities and achievements. 8 9 Performance Assessment For many adults who return to playing or singing after a long break, who begin to learn a new instrument from scratch, or for musicians with specific needs, an exam is not always the most appropriate kind of assessment. The Performance Assessment is an alternative that provides a valuable performing experience. Participants can play their own choice of repertoire and come away with a written report containing constructive comments and advice from a member of our examining panel. Ensembles We offer syllabuses for a wide range of ensembles from duos and trios to jazz ensembles and choirs. 10 11 Entering for exams: Entering for exams: UK and Ireland All other countries Practical exams Dates of exams vary from country Online services: There are three exam periods per year, to country. In most cases your local Malaysia and Singapore in the spring, summer and autumn. ABRSM Representative will be able Our online exam services to provide information about entry offer teachers in Malaysia and Theory exams procedures, dates and fees. Leaflets Singapore direct access to all their There are three exam days per year, in detailing this information are also exam entry details at any time. the spring, summer and autumn. published for each country. They are Each teacher’s online account available from your Representative or provides a hub of essential and from our office in London.